"Haiyan Aftermath": A Memorial

CEBU, Philippines - On November 8, 2013, Typhoon Haiyan, locally named as Yolanda, the strongest storm ever to make landfall, swept through nine areas in central Philippines. These places were home to 242,000 inhabitants.

Three years after the super typhoon that caused massive loss of lives and property, the University of San Carlos Press held a Book Talk, Signing and a Photo Exhibit on November 8 this year at The Gallery, Ayala Center Cebu, to launch the book "Haiyan Aftermath: Images and Stories of Recovery in Samar and Leyte" by Lucien Letaba. The book is a memorial of the wrath of Typhoon Haiyan and a celebration of the resilience of the human spirit. Also, 25 photographs from the 242-page book were on exhibit from November 8 to15 at the same venue.

The book endeavors to show the positive developments after the super typhoon, citing current efforts towards recovery and reconstruction being undertaken in the areas affected.

With gripping images taken by three professional photographers, the book details the plans and activities that have been taken immediately after the disaster by different agencies. The book covers the various sectors involved, from the local government units, health sector, church, livelihood and enterprise sector, the arts and non-goverment organizations, both local and international.

Overall, it gives the reader a view from all sides of the rehabilitation landscape, particularly in the areas of Tanauan, Palo and Tacloban in Leyte, and Basey and Guiuan in Samar. "Haiyan Aftermath: Images and Stories of Recovery in Samar and Leyte" engages the reader on the people's struggle for survival and hope in the aftermath of the disaster. (FREEMAN)